Beautiful New Giveaway! Win A Handmade Heart Keepsake Box

No matter how wonderful our support systems may be, there is a certain loneliness that comes along with having a chronic illness. It's hard to explain unless you've lived it, but I suppose anyone who has had significant struggle in their life (health-related or not) knows what I mean. You can lean on other people, but at the end of the day, you are fighting this battle. Because of my struggle with multiple pain conditions, I probably require more "alone time" than the average gal. The truth is, I find tremendous peace in solitude and gain my greatest insight through reading and writing (hence, the blog). Of course, not everything I think is intended for the public eye. Stick with me here - this thought relates to today's giveaway...

I was excited when my friend Betsy introduced me to Susan Kosharek, a talented artist from Rochester, Minnesota. Susan owns her own company called Muse Zings and also has an Etsy store. My mother, who is an amazing artist herself, has always said she is drawn to artwork that "doesn't take itself too seriously." I've definitely inherited that tendency from her. For example, I just purchased a silly, painted zebra head on which to hang our keys. It's right beside our front door and just makes me smile every time I see it. Susan's work has the same effect on me. If you scroll down, you'll see several wonderful examples of her pieces (furniture, mirrors, birdhouses, etc) and I think you'll see what I mean.

And now the exciting part! Susan has graciously offered to host today's giveaway. I jumped at the chance, knowing you would all love her work as much as I do. And here's where that first paragraph ties in. Susan is offering a beautiful "Heart Keepsake Box" (pictured at the top of this post) to one lucky reader. This special box opens to reveal rice paper; a space to write personal messages, special memories, inspirational quotations, etc. I just love that idea! As I said, there are just some things that aren't meant for the world to see; poems, phrases, thoughts that need safekeeping. I can't think of a better place to store your treasures than in this beautiful box.

You can enter this giveaway a total of 3 times...

For entry #1: Go to Facebook.com, "like" Muse Zings, and don't forget to leave a comment on this post letting me know you did. If you don't have Facebook, then head over to Susan's website and take a look around. Then leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite creation is.

For entry #2: Please give me a little feedback about this blog. What's working for you? What might you like to see me do differently? Are you hoping to see a post about something that I haven't covered? I'd love to hear from you!

This contest will run until Tuesday, October 11th (2 weeks from today). The winner will then be chosen at random and announced the following day. Good luck everyone!

Love,

Maya